David Blatt introduced as Cavaliers head coach

NewsChannel 5's Mike Cairns goes one-on-one with new Cavs head coach David Blatt

WEWS

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INDEPENDENCE, Ohio - David Blatt was introduced as the 19th head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers today at a news conference at the Cleveland Clinic Courts.

"I'm excited and I'm looking forward to helping Griff and the organization anyway that I can," Blatt said.

The 55-year-old was confident and engaging with members of the media through out his thirty minute press conference and said he understands what this opportunity means to jump from the European League to his dream job of head coach in the NBA.

"I never for a moment lost the hope that I would come full circle and make my way back to the places where I grew up. I am just lucky and fortunate that the great people of Cleveland have decided that I am the one to make the jump and I know that I am going to pay them back with interest."

Blatt has had to hit the ground running since the Cavaliers made his hiring official last Friday. The Massachusetts native has had a crash course on learning the players on his new team as well as getting ready for NBA draft.

Blatt has been called an offensive genius by many of his former players and is considered a players coach, a guy who really connects with his team. Blatt said he doesn't consider himself an offensive or a defensive coach "just a basketball coach."

Blatt also talked about his simple philosophy that he will bring with him to Cleveland.

"Play hard, play together, play to win and have fun."

Blatt who was one of the most successful coaches in European League history is coming off a league championship with Maccabi Tel Aviv and will actually have a chance to coach against his old team when they face the Cavaliers in October.

The first big obstacle on Blatt's agenda is the NBA draft on Thursday night.

NewsChannel5 sports reporter Mike Cairns spoke one-on-one with Blatt about the upcoming season. Watch the video in the player above.